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Guide ยท Updated for 2026

Flying a Drone at Night: Part 107 Rules

Yes, certified pilots can fly at night without a waiver. You just need the right lighting and the right training.

The short answer

Night flights are legal under Part 107 if your drone has anti-collision lights visible for at least 3 statute miles and you completed training that covers night operations. No waiver is needed.

Before 2021, night flying required a waiver. The FAA changed that, and night operations are now allowed under the standard Part 107 rules when you meet a few conditions.

Requirements to fly at night

  • Anti-collision lighting: your aircraft must have lights visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate that lets other pilots see it in time to avoid a collision.
  • Training: you must have passed the updated initial knowledge test or completed updated recurrent training that includes night operations.
  • Normal Part 107 limits still apply: visual line of sight, 400 feet AGL, and the airspace rules, including authorization where required.

What counts as night?

The FAA treats night as the period between the end of evening civil twilight and the start of morning civil twilight. Flying during civil twilight itself is allowed if your aircraft has the required anti-collision lights. Use our When Can I Fly? tool to see the times for your location.

Tips for safe night flying

  • Do a daylight preflight of the area so you know where obstacles are.
  • Keep the aircraft lit and in sight, because visual line of sight still applies in the dark.
  • Check the weather and visibility, since low visibility makes night orientation harder.
  • Know your airspace. Night flying inside controlled airspace still requires authorization, so check whether LAANC is required.

Is night flying on the Part 107 test?

Yes. Anti-collision lighting, civil twilight, and night operating rules show up on the knowledge test. Practice them with our free practice test.

Frequently asked questions

Can you fly a drone at night under Part 107?

Yes. Since 2021 you can fly at night without a waiver if your drone has anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles and you have completed training covering night operations.

What lights does a drone need to fly at night?

Anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles, with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.

What is civil twilight for drones?

The period around sunrise and sunset. Night is between the end of evening civil twilight and the start of morning civil twilight. Flying during civil twilight requires anti-collision lights.

Do I need a waiver to fly at night?

No. A waiver is not required if you meet the lighting and training requirements.

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